Liverpool have named midfielder Jordan Henderson as their new captain in succession to Steven Gerrard.

The England international had been widely expected to take the armband on a permanent basis after the long-serving Gerrard left Anfield at the end of last season.

Henderson, 25, has grown in influence since joining the Reds in a £16million move from Sunderland four years ago.

Henderson carried out captaincy duties on a number of occasions in Gerrard's absence last season.

He told the club's official website, www.liverpoolfc.com: "I'm absolutely delighted and proud. It is a great honour and a huge privilege to be named as the captain of this football club.

"When Steven wasn't in the team last season, I tried to do the best I could when I stepped in and took the armband. Now I'll be looking to carry that on and continue to grow as a captain.

"I'll look to give my best all of the time, put the team firmly first and try to give them - or help them with - whatever they need from me."

Henderson will officially start as Liverpool's new skipper on their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia, which begins next week.

Manager Brendan Rodgers said: "Jordan is someone who leads through example - through his actions, attitude and application. He shows total commitment to the game and is a role model professional.

"He is also greatly respectful of the great traditions associated with being Liverpool captain and the responsibilities that come with it. He has been blessed to learn first-hand from one of the greatest the club has ever had, in Steven Gerrard.

"Jordan has grown as a person and as a player since arriving at Liverpool and is ready to take up this challenge. He will be his own person, with his own style of leadership and his own ideas and methods."

Henderson, who has made 186 appearances for the club, has also been backed to succeed by Gerrard.

Gerrard, who was captain for 12 years, told Sky Sports News: "Jordan's been loyal to the club by signing a new deal and I wish him well.

"I see a lot of my game in Jordan's game and what I like about him is he's very humble.

"I don't think there's a more fitting player to take that armband off me.''